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THE WEBB SCHOOLS webb.org
SUMMER 2021 WEBB MAGA ZINE
newsnotes THE WEBB SCHOOLS
22& with Rod Miranda ’98
by Jessica Rice ’12
A HALF MINUTES
Commanding Officer of the Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic Rod Miranda ’98 embodies the Webb School of California motto: Principes, non Homines – Leaders, not Common Men. During nearly two decades of service, Miranda has established himself as a leader within the United States Navy. He serves as commanding officer of the Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic, which is responsible for the tactical standardization for all East Coast squadrons of the Navy’s premiere Strike Fighter aircraft – the F/A-18 Super Hornet. He is responsible for 200 officers, enlisted sailors and government civilians. All air crew under his command are graduates of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) of which he is also a graduate. Miranda has spent over 2,800 hours in flight and completed over 300 carrier arrested landings. Today, his organization provides post-graduate level training for F/A-18 Strike Fighter tactics, mission planning, strike intelligence, air-launched weapons handling, loading and mission employment to the Navy, Marine Corps and Naval Reserve units. Miranda reflected on his years of service, lessons he has learned and the impact of his Webb experience.
Q&A
When did you first decide to enlist in the military? My motivations for joining the military were initially tied to the attacks on 9/11. I was a junior in college when 9/11 occurred, and it motivated me to serve my country. I had always considered military service, but 9/11 put me over the top. I applied for
commission halfway through my senior year of college at UC San Diego. Although I had no aviation background, the idea of flying fighter jet aircraft on and off of Navy aircraft carriers seemed awesome. To this day, it has not disappointed me. I still get excited the way I did early on in anticipation of a flight.
What has been the most rewarding thing about your time in the Navy? The most rewarding thing has been the experience of being accepted to attend and graduate from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). This accomplishment required work, sacrifice – and was a huge honor. The
Jessica Rice ’12 is a writer and marketing strategist at Compass. She graduated cum laude from Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and political science.
